Why a North Star Goal
A Clear Guiding Vision for System-Level Change
Our North Star goal anchors all strategic decisions:
By 2040 gaps in postsecondary completion are eliminated, so that underserved learners have greater opportunity for social and economic mobility.
This goal shapes how we prioritize resources, foster partnerships, and drive impact across the country.
The Challenge
Addressing Persistent Barriers to Postsecondary Completion and Success
Learners continue to encounter economic hardship, competing responsibilities, limited information, and unclear pathways. These challenges impede persistence and completion across postsecondary education. Our North Star goal calls for sustained, evidence-informed approaches that strengthen systems and improve outcomes at scale.
Our Strategic Approach
How We Advance Our North Star
We advance our North Star goal through a focused, multi-pronged strategy that strengthens postsecondary systems that are no longer effectively serving students. Our work centers on identifying promising ideas, scaling effective implementation, and investing in solutions with potential to grow and sustain impact. Across all efforts, we prioritize evidence, collaboration, and continuous learning – ensuring that insights guide decisions and help strengthen the field over time.
What Success Looks Like
Measuring Progress and Improving Systems
We work with partners to track indicators, analyze data, and generate insights that help strengthen programs, institutions, and systems. Our focus on learning and evaluation supports continuous improvement and guides long-term impact.